period of discoveries, 1385-1580

Pedro ?lvares Cabral sailed around the world for Portugal in the early sixteenth century. His efforts led to a treaty opening the spice trade with India, but also years of war between his men and the kingdom of Calicut. Along the way he also discovered Brazil, perhaps by accident, opening the door for centuries of Portuguese colonization there. This biography dives into Cabral’s background, his exploration assignments, and the impact, both positive and negative, of his voyages to India and Brazil.

In 1490s Portugal, Abel Zakuto, a Jewish banker with a keen interest in mapmaking and sea navigation, encourages explorers Magellan, da Gama, and Diaz to find the elusive sea route around the "Devil's Cave"--the Cape of Good Hope--to India, which would enable Portugal to dominate the spice trade.

Discusses the travels of Vasco da Gama and other Portugese explorers who helped establish an extensive empire for their country.

Discusses the travels of Vasco da Gama and other Portugese explorers who helped establish an extensive empire for their country.

Discusses the travels of Vasco da Gama, Henry the Navigator and other Portugese explorers who helped establish an extensive empire for their country.

Discusses Portuguese voyages of discovery and exploration around Africa and Asia in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.